Hand support apparatus, system, and method of use for enhancing upper body exercise

ABSTRACT

Apparatuses, systems, and methods of use are disclosed for enhancing upper body exercise. An apparatus includes a domed hand support section, the domed hand support section having a plurality of recesses configured to receive a palm, thumb, and fingers of a user&#39;s hand while the user&#39;s hand is held in a naturally curved open-position. The apparatus also includes a surface engagement section secured to an underside of the domed hand support section and configured to engage a supporting surface. When the surface engagement section is deployed on the supporting surface and the palm, thumb, and fingers of the user&#39;s hand are placed in the plurality recesses on the domed hand support section, the domed face supports the user&#39;s hand in the naturally curved open position while the user exerts force against the domed hand support section and that is at least partially directed toward the supporting surface.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application claims the priority and benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/323,865 entitled “HANDSUPPORT APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF USE FOR ENHANCING UPPER BODYEXERCISE,” filed on Apr. 18, 2016

BACKGROUND

People spend a great deal of money on bulky upper body fitness machines,weight benches, and barbells, or continually pay for fitness clubmemberships to use such equipment. However, much of the benefit that canbe gained from using such devices can be achieved by doing push-ups:resting the palms of one's hands and toes or knees on the floor andlifting one's body up and down to directly work the arm, shoulder, andchest muscles, while also indirectly working abdominal, back, neck, andother muscles.

However, all the force is necessarily directed through the person'shands and wrists, and, thus, can painfully overuse some muscles.Splaying out one's fingers and palm, and then repeatedly pressing asignificant portion of one's body weight against one's hands, can strainthe base of the palm, thumb, and fingers; pronating one's wrists canpainfully strain one's wrists and forearms. Also, performing push-ups ona hard floor may be hard on the surfaces of the person's palm, thumb,and fingers. While one can perform push-ups with one's hands balled intofists, many find this too painful on the knuckles. Further, whileholding one's hands in fists alleviates the wrist pain caused bypronating one's wrists against the ground, this position forcesdifferent strains on the wrist by requiring the user to balance on hisor her fists to maintain his or her wrists in an upright position.Unfortunately, if the user fails to maintain his or her wrists in anupright position and rolls his or her wrists, serious wrist and arminjuries may result.

In an attempt to facilitate reaping the benefits of push-ups withoutstraining the hands, fingers, and wrist, various devices have beencreated. Standard push-up handles have a base that rests on the floorwith an upraised handle that extends parallel to the ground. Using suchpush-up handles, instead of the user splaying out his or her hands onthe ground, the user grips the handles the way that one would use abarbell and lifts his or her body off the ground. The push-up handlesmay alleviate strain caused by splaying one's fingers and remove thestrain caused by pronating one's wrist. On the other hand, use of thepush-up handles still places strain on the wrists by requiring the userto hold his or her wrists in an upright position, and gripping thehandles may still be uncomfortable for the user.

Conventional push-up handles are stationary devices and, thus, onlyfacilitate standard up-and-down push-ups. Other floor-based exercisedevices enable users to lift their bodies and slide their handslaterally to their bodies to work additional muscles. Some such devicesinclude a reduced-friction sliding board and require the user to wearslideable mitts or gloves. However, such devices not only involve theuser splaying out the fingers and pronating the wrists, but also involvesomewhat narrow boards that limit the scope of movement. Other devicesinclude a rigid, space-consuming base that supports slideable handles.While these devices eliminate splaying the fingers and pronating thewrists, they have a strictly restricted range of movement, still involvegripping handles, and consume space. Ab wheels allow a user to workother muscles by extending the arms upwardly from the shoulder.Nonetheless, such rolling devices still require tightly gripping thehandles and do not provide the benefits of exercises that involvelateral movement.

People also may benefit from upper body exercises, such as curls andlateral raises, that may be performed with dumbbells or kettle bells.However, as users develop different muscles, they will need multiplesets of dumbbells or kettle bells of various weights which both consumestorage space and require the user to drag out each of the weights toexercise. Alternatively, a user may have a set of dumbbell handles withremovable plates that allow the user to adjust the weight of thedumbbells. Unfortunately, the user still has to drag out pairs ofvarious weight plates, and also has to remove or install weight platesat both ends of each dumbbell to adjust the weights, which may beinconvenient.

It thus would be a significant advance in the art to provide a fitnessaid that facilitates upper body exercise without undesirable musclestrains that result from push-ups with or without handle-based devices,that permit a full range of movement, and that do not consume muchstorage space. It would also be beneficial to provide the capability ofdumbbells or kettle bells without the need for multiple dumbbells,kettle bells, or pairs of weight plates.

SUMMARY

Apparatuses, systems, and methods of use are disclosed for enhancingupper body exercise. An apparatus includes a domed hand support section.The domed hand support section has a plurality of recesses configured toreceive a palm, thumb, and fingers of a user's hand while the user'shand is held in a naturally curved open-position. The apparatus alsoincludes a surface engagement section secured to an underside of thedomed hand support section and configured to engage a supportingsurface. When the surface engagement section is deployed on thesupporting surface and the palm, thumb, and fingers of the user's handare placed in the plurality recesses on the domed hand support section,the domed face supports the user's hand in the naturally curved openposition while the user exerts force against the domed hand supportsection and that is at least partially directed toward the supportingsurface.

In another embodiment, an apparatus includes a domed hand supportsection. The domed hand support section has a plurality of recessesconfigured to receive a palm, thumb, and fingers of a user's hand whilethe user's hand is held in a naturally curved open-position. Theapparatus further includes a wrist brace extending outwardly from thedomed hand support section proximate an edge of the recess configured toreceive the palm of the user. As a result, while the user exerts forceagainst the domed hand support section, the wrist brace supportivelyengages an underside of a wrist of the user. The apparatus also includesa surface engagement section secured to an underside of the domed handsupport section and configured to engage a supporting surface. When thesurface engagement section is deployed on the supporting surface and thepalm, thumb, and fingers of the user's hand are placed in the pluralityrecesses on the domed hand support section, the domed face supports theuser's hand in the naturally curved open position while the user exertsforce against the domed hand support section and that is at leastpartially directed toward the supporting surface.

In a further embodiment, an apparatus includes a domed hand supportsection. The domed hand support section has a plurality of recessesconfigured to receive a palm, thumb, and fingers of a user's hand whilethe user's hand is held in a naturally curved open-position. Theapparatus further includes a strap configured to extend across therecess configured to receive the palm of the user's hand and to maintainthe palm of the user's hand within the recess configured to receive thepalm. The apparatus also includes a surface engagement section securedto an underside of the domed hand support section and configured toengage a supporting surface. When the surface engagement section isdeployed on the supporting surface and the palm, thumb, and fingers ofthe user's hand are placed in the plurality recesses on the domed handsupport section, the domed face supports the user's hand in thenaturally curved open position while the user exerts force against thedomed hand support section and that is at least partially directedtoward the supporting surface.

In a still further embodiment, an apparatus includes a domed handsupport section. The domed hand support section having a plurality ofrecesses configured to receive a palm, thumb, and fingers of a user'shand while the user's hand is held in a naturally curved open-position.The apparatus also includes a wrist brace extending outwardly from thedomed hand support section proximate an edge of the recess configured toreceive the palm of the user. As a result, while the user exerts forceagainst the domed hand support section, the wrist brace supportivelyengages an underside of a wrist of the user. The apparatus furtherincludes a strap configured to extend across the recess configured toreceive the palm of the user's hand and to maintain the palm of theuser's hand within the recess configured to receive the palm. Theapparatus also includes a surface engagement section secured to anunderside of the domed hand support section and configured to engage asupporting surface. When the surface engagement section is deployed onthe supporting surface and the palm, thumb, and fingers of the user'shand are placed in the plurality recesses on the domed hand supportsection, the domed face supports the user's hand in the naturally curvedopen position while the user exerts force against the domed hand supportsection and that is at least partially directed toward the supportingsurface.

Another embodiment includes a system configured to assist a user inperforming physical exercise. The apparatus includes a domed handsupport section. The domed hand support section has a plurality ofrecesses configured to receive a palm, thumb, and fingers of a user'shand while the user's hand is held in a naturally curved open-position.The system additionally includes a strap configured to extend across therecess configured to receive the palm of the user's hand and to maintainthe palm of the user's hand within the recess configured to receive thepalm. The system also includes a surface engagement system securable toan underside of the domed hand support section and configured to engagea supporting surface, the surface engagement system including aplurality of interchangeable weighted members. When the surfaceengagement system is deployed on the supporting surface and the palm,thumb, and fingers of the user's hand are placed in the pluralityrecesses on the domed hand support section, the domed face supports theuser's hand in the naturally curved open position while the user exertsforce against the domed hand support section face and that is at leastpartially directed toward the supporting surface. Also, when the domedhand support is lifted using different members of the plurality ofinterchangeable weighted members, a resistance resulting from liftingthe domed hand support is changed.

Additionally, a method of performing upper body exercise is disclosedfor using an apparatus according to the present disclosure. A hand isengaged with a domed hand support section, the domed hand supportsection having a plurality of recesses configured to receive a palm,thumb, and fingers of a user's hand while the user's hand is held in anaturally curved open-position. A surface engagement section secured toan underside of the domed hand support section is deployed on agenerally planar support surface. The surface engagement section isconfigured to slideably move across the generally planar support surfacein two dimensions; also, while resting at least a portion of a user'sbody weight on the domed support section via the user's hand, moving thedomed hand support section in both of the two dimensions across thegenerally planar support surface.

Also, a method of performing upper body exercise using an apparatus isdisclosed for using an apparatus according to the present disclosure. Ahand is engaged with a domed hand support section of the apparatus. Thedomed hand support section has a plurality of recesses configured toreceive a palm, thumb, and fingers of a user's hand. While the user'shand is held in a naturally curved open-position and a strap configuredto extend across a back of the user's hand while the user's hand isreceived in the plurality of recesses. At least some portion of theuser's arm is lifted. A mass of the apparatus provides resistance to thelifting while the user's hand is held in the naturally curvedopen-position.

Other apparatuses, systems, and methods are further described in detailbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 are side elevation views of an embodiment of a handsupport apparatus according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a top view of an embodiment of a hand support apparatusaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the hand supportapparatus as shown in FIG. 3 taken along axis A-A;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the hand supportapparatus as shown in FIG. 3 taken along axis B-B;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a hand supportapparatus featuring a wrist brace according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a top view of an embodiment of a hand support apparatusfeaturing a wrist brace according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a hand supportapparatus featuring a wrist brace and a support strap according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a top view of an embodiment of a hand support apparatusfeaturing a support strap according to the present disclosure;

FIGS. 10-13 are bottom views of alternate forms of a surface engagementsection of the apparatus according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a hand supportapparatus in which a domed support member and a surface engagementsection are removably attached according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a hand support apparatusin which a domed support member and a surface engagement section areremovably attached according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a hand supportapparatus in which a domed support member includes a recess configuredto partially receive a spherical bearing and a surface engagementsection configured to retain the spherical bearing according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of a surface engagement section including aflange configured to retain the spherical bearing within the apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a system includinga hand support apparatus and interchangeable spherical bearings ofdifferent weights according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a system includinga hand support apparatus and interchangeable surface engagement sectionsaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 20-22 are side views of a user performing exercises usingembodiments of an apparatus according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a top view of a user performing exercises using an embodimentof an apparatus according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is a flow diagram of a method of performing weight-bearingexercises on a support surface using embodiments of the apparatusaccording to the present disclosure;

FIGS. 25 and 26 are side views of a user performing a lift exerciseusing embodiments of the apparatus according to the present disclosure;and

FIG. 27 is a flow diagram of a method of performing a lift exerciseusing embodiments of the apparatus according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for enhancing upper bodyexercise. In various embodiments described in detail below, a user'shand is received into recesses on a domed hand support section that isconfigured to receive the user's palm, thumb, and fingers in a naturallyopen-handed position. A surface engagement section is configured tosecure the domed hand support section in a stationary position or toenable the domed hand support to slide or roll to perform varioussurface-based exercises. Additionally, taking advantage of optionalwrist braces or straps to secure the user's hand within the recesses,the user may perform various lifting exercises as described in detailbelow.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are side elevation views of an embodiment of an apparatus100 according to the present disclosure. FIGS. 1 and 2 show oppositesides of the apparatus 100 which, in a particular embodiment, is a handsupport device configured to facilitate weight-bearing exercises. Anoutline of a user's hand 113, represented by a dashed line, is shownengaging the apparatus 100 to illustrate how the apparatus 100 may beused. The apparatus 100 generally includes a domed hand support section110 and a surface engagement section 120. The surface engagement section120 is configured to rest on a supporting surface, such as a floor (notshown in FIG. 1 or 2), while the user's hand 113 engages the domed handsupport section 110, as further described below.

The apparatus 100 includes a domed hand support section 110 that may beeither permanently or releasably coupled with a surface engagementsection 120, as further described with reference to FIGS. 14-19. In theembodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the domed hand support section 110may be a regular, hemispherically-shaped structure. For reasonsexplained below, the domed hand support section 110 should be tallest atits middle and slope downward toward the edges, but the domed handsupport section 110 need not be a round or regular dome. The term “dome”is used to describe a structure that is elevated toward its middle.

The domed hand support section 110 includes a recess 112 configured toreceive an underside of a user's hand 113. Specifically, the recess 112includes a plurality of recesses 114, 116, and 118. A palm recess 114 isconfigured to receive a palm 115 of the user's hand 113; a thumb recess116 is configured to an underside of the user's thumb 117; and one ormore finger recesses 118 are configured to receive undersides of theuser's fingers 119. The embodiment of the apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1and 2 includes separate finger recesses 118 for each of the four fingers(not counting the thumb as a finger) 119 of the user's hand 119;however, other embodiments may provide combined recesses for two or moreof the fingers 119. For example, a single recess may be provided forboth the third and fourth fingers of the hand 113 as counted away fromthe thumb (commonly termed the “ring finger” and “pinky finger,”respectively); alternatively or additionally, a single recess may beprovided for both the first and second fingers of the hand 113 (commonlyreferred to as the “index finger” and “middle finger,” respectively).The disclosure is not limited to an embodiment in which separaterecesses are provided for each of the fingers 119 of a user's hand 113.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the palm recess 114, the thumb recess116, and the finger recesses 118 are positioned across the curvedsurface of the domed hand support section 110 so as to receive a user'shand 113 in a relaxed, open position; in the relaxed open position,there is some natural inward curvature of the fingers 119 (i.e., thefingers 119 curve inward in the direction faced by the palm 115). In aparticular embodiment, the domed hand support section 110 is formedand/or covered with a slip-resistant material to retain the user's palm115, thumb 117, and fingers 119 within the palm recess 114, thumb recess116, and finger recesses 118, respectively.

As described in the background portion of this document, one of theproblems faced by a person seeking to perform conventional push-ups withhis or her hands flat on the ground is the strain placed on the base ofthe palm and on the fingers and thumbs because the fingers and thumbsare pressed flat (i.e., beyond the fingers' naturally curved position)by the force of the body weight pressing down on the hands. However,performing push-ups or similar exercises using embodiments according tothe present disclosure, a user may press his or her weight on his or herhands without having to stress the muscles of the palm 115, thumb 117,and fingers 119. Instead, embodiments according to the presentdisclosure, the user can perform push-ups with the fingers and thumbsremaining in curved positions, reducing strain. The curvature of thedomed hand support section 110 fully engages the user's palm 115, thumb117, and fingers 119 and facilitates even distribution of his or herweight across the palm 115, thumb 117, and fingers 119 instead ofresting the weight on the edges of the palm or ends of the fingers, asmay occur performing conventional, flat-handed push-ups.

FIG. 3 is a top view of an embodiment of a hand support apparatus 100according to the present disclosure. As in FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 3 showsthe domed hand support section 110 formed with the palm recess 114,thumb recess 116, and finger recesses 118 configured to receive andcontain the user's palm 115 and undersides of the user's thumb 117 andfingers 119. As further described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, thepalm recess 114, thumb recess 116, and finger recesses 118 are curved toconform to the underside of the user's hand 113. Further, in order toprotect the user's hand 113, the recesses 114, 116, and 118 of the domedhand support section 110 are configured to contain the edges of the palm115, thumb 117, and fingers 119, respectively, away from edges of thedomed hand support section 110. For example, a distal end 105 of thefinger recess 118 for the middle finger is removed by a distance 109from the adjacent edge 107 of the apparatus 100. Thus, if the apparatus100 is laterally moved into an obstacle (not shown in FIG. 3), while theapparatus 100 may impact that obstacle, the user's hand 113 is protectedfrom impacting the same obstacle.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views of the embodiment of theapparatus 100 as shown in FIG. 3 taken along axis A-A and axis of B-B ofFIG. 3, respectively. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of theapparatus 100 across the finger recesses 118 formed in the domed handsupport section 110. As shown in FIG. 4, the finger recesses 118 arecurved to correspond to the curvature of the underside of the fingers119. The recesses 118 thus cradle and engage the fingers 119, allowingthe user's fingers 119 to securely engage the domed hand support section110. Similarly, FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus 100across the palm recess 114 and the thumb recess 116 formed in the domedhand support section 110. As shown in FIG. 5, the palm recess 114 andthe thumb recess 116, like the finger recesses 118, are curved tocorrespond to the curvature of the palm 115 and the underside of thethumb 117. Thus, the recesses 114 and 116 cradle and engage the palm 115and thumb 117 to securely engage the domed hand support section 110.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a hand supportapparatus 600 featuring a wrist brace 630 according to the presentdisclosure. Similar to the embodiment of the apparatus 100 as describedwith reference to FIGS. 1-5, the apparatus 600 includes a domed handsupport section 610 and a surface engagement section 620. An outline ofa user's hand 613, represented by a dashed line, is shown engaging theapparatus 600. The surface engagement section 620 is configured to reston a supporting surface, such as a floor (not shown in FIG. 6), whilethe user's hand 613 engages the domed hand support section 610, asfurther described below. The domed hand support section 610 may beeither permanently or releasably coupled with a surface engagementsection 620, as further described with reference to FIGS. 14-19. Thedomed hand support section 610 may be a regular, hemispherically-shapedstructure or a different shape that is tallest at its middle, aspreviously described. The domed hand support section 610 includes arecess 612 configured to receive an underside of the user's hand 613.Specifically, the recess 612 includes a plurality of recesses 614, 616,and 618. A palm recess 614 is configured to receive a palm 615 of theuser's hand 613; a thumb recess 616 is configured to an underside of theuser's thumb 617; and one or more finger recesses 618 are configured toreceive undersides of the user's fingers 619. As described withreference to FIGS. 1-5, embodiments of the apparatus 600 according tothe disclosure are not limited to embodiments having individual recessesfor each of the fingers 619, but may, instead, provide recesses that mayaccommodate more than one finger.

In addition to incorporating the features of the apparatus 100 of FIGS.1-5, the apparatus 600 includes a wrist brace 630. As shown in FIG. 6,the wrist brace is a protrusion extending upward from the domed handsupport section 610 adjacent to a point where the palm recess 614receives the base of the palm 615 and, thus, the point where the end ofthe user's wrist 631 extends over the domed hand support section 610.The wrist brace 630 extends upward from the domed support surface 610and provides a wrist support surface 632 configured to engage andsupport an underside 633 of the user's wrist 631. The wrist supportsurface 632 thus provides underlying support for the user's wrist 631when the user presses his or her weight down on the apparatus 610, thuspotentially alleviating at least a portion of the wrist strain that mayresult from conventional, hand-on-the-floor push-ups.

FIG. 7 is a top view of an embodiment of the apparatus 610 featuring thewrist brace 630 according to the present disclosure. As described withreference to FIG. 6, the wrist brace 630 extends upward from the domedhand support section 610 across a region where the user's wrist 631extends over the domed support surface 610 when the user's hand 613 ispositioned in the hand recess 612. The wrist support surface 632 extendsacross an underside 633 of the wrist 631 to support the user's wrist 631to alleviate wrist strain.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of an apparatus 800featuring a wrist brace 830 and a support strap 850 according to thepresent disclosure. Similar to the embodiment of the apparatus 100 asdescribed with reference to FIGS. 1-5 and the embodiment of theapparatus 600 as described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, theapparatus 800 includes a domed hand support section 810 and a surfaceengagement section 820. An outline of a user's hand 813, represented bya dashed line, is shown engaging the apparatus 800. The surfaceengagement section 820 is configured to rest on a supporting surface,such as a floor (not shown in FIG. 8), while the user's hand 813 engagesthe domed hand support section 810, as further described below. Thedomed hand support section 810 may be either permanently or releasablycoupled with a surface engagement section 820, as further described withreference to FIGS. 14-19. The domed hand support section 810 may be aregular, hemispherically-shaped structure or a different shape that istallest at its middle, as previously described. The domed hand supportsection 810 includes a recess 812 configured to receive an underside ofthe user's hand 813. Specifically, the recess 812 includes a pluralityof recesses 814, 816, and 818. A palm recess 814 is configured toreceive a palm 815 of the user's hand 813; a thumb recess 816 isconfigured to an underside of the user's thumb 817; and one or morefinger recesses 818 are configured to receive undersides of the user'sfingers 819. As described with reference to FIGS. 1-7, embodiments ofthe apparatus 800 according to the disclosure are not limited toembodiments having individual recesses for each of the fingers 819, butmay, instead, provide recesses that may accommodate more than onefinger.

In addition to incorporating the features of the apparatus 100 of FIGS.1-5 and the apparatus 600 of FIGS. 6-7 (i.e., the wrist brace 830 havinga wrist support surface 832 for engaging an underside 833 of a user'swrist 831), the apparatus 800 includes a support strap 850. The supportstrap 850 is configured to engage a back 851 of the user's hand (i.e.,the side opposite the palm). As shown in FIG. 8, the support strap 850may be fixably anchored to the domed hand support section 810 at each oftwo ends. One end is anchored to the domed hand support section betweenthe thumb recess 816 and a finger recess 818 for the first finger orindex finger. As shown in FIG. 9, an opposite end of the support strap850 may be anchored adjacent the finger recess 818 that accommodates thefourth or pinky finger.

The support strap 850 may be an elastic or flexible material to enablethe user to fit his or her hand 813 within the hand recess 812 and underthe support strap 850. The support strap 850 secures the user's hand 813within the hand recess 812 to help keep the user's hand 813 within thehand recess 812 when the user exercises using the apparatus 800 aspreviously described, i.e., moving the apparatus 810 such that thesurface engagement section 820 moves over a supporting surface (notshown in FIG. 8). Alternatively, the support strap 850 may secure theuser's hand 813 atop the domed hand support section 810 as the userlifts the user's hand 813, enabling the user to employ the apparatus 800as a hand weight to perform curls, lifts, or raises.

FIG. 9 is a top view of an embodiment of an apparatus 900 featuring asupport strap 950 according to the present disclosure. Similar to theembodiment of the apparatus 100 as described with reference to FIGS. 1-5and the embodiment of the apparatus 600 as described with reference toFIGS. 6 and 7, and the apparatus 800 of FIG. 8. The apparatus 900includes a domed hand support section 910. The domed hand supportsection 910 may be a regular, hemispherically-shaped structure or adifferent shape that is tallest at its middle, as previously described.The domed hand support section 910 includes a recess 912 configured toreceive an underside of the user's hand (not shown in FIG. 9).Specifically, the recess 912 includes a plurality of recesses 914, 916,and 918. A palm recess 914 is configured to receive a palm of the user'shand; a thumb recess 916 is configured to an underside of the user'sthumb; and one or more finger recesses 918 are configured to receiveundersides of the user's fingers. As described with reference to FIGS.1-8, embodiments of the apparatus 800 according to the disclosure arenot limited to embodiments having individual recesses for each of thefingers, but may, instead, provide recesses that may accommodate morethan one finger.

Comparing the apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1-3, the apparatus 600 of FIGS. 6and 7, the apparatus 800 of FIG. 8, and the apparatus 900 of FIG. 9, itshould be appreciated that embodiments of the apparatus according to thepresent disclosure may include various combinations of features. Forexample, the apparatus 100 may include neither a wrist brace (as in theapparatus 600 of FIGS. 6 and 7 or the apparatus 800 of FIG. 8) nor asupport strap (as in the apparatus 800 of FIG. 8 or the apparatus 900 ofFIG. 9); the apparatus 600 may include a wrist brace 630, but no supportstrap (as in the apparatus 800 of FIG. 8 or the apparatus 900 of FIG.9); the apparatus 800 may include both a wrist brace 830 and a supportstrap 850 (as in the apparatus 800 of FIG. 8); or a wrist support 950but not a wrist brace (as in the apparatus 600 of FIGS. 6 and 7 or theapparatus 800 of FIG. 8).

FIG. 9 also illustrates an embodiment 900 in which the support strap 950may include an adjustable body 951 to enable the user to adjust thelength of the support strap 950 for the sake of comfort and/or to adjusthow tightly the user's hand is secured within the hand recess 912. Theadjustable body 951 may be fixably anchored to the domed hand supportsection 910 at a fixed end 952 and slidably anchored to the domed handsupport section 910 via a buckle 955 fixably secured to the domed handsupport section 910 at an adjustable end 956. A length of the adjustablebody 951 may then be set by securing a free end 957 of the adjustablebody 951 with a closure 958 fixably attached or integrated with theadjustable body 951. The closure 958 may be a hook and loop fastener, abuckle, a set of mechanical snaps, or another closure mechanism. Inembodiments in which one of the ends of the adjustable body 951 isfixably attached and the other end is slidably attached, the fixed endand adjustable end may be disposed at either end of the support strap950 (i.e., in contrast to the embodiment of the apparatus 900 shown inFIG. 9, the slidably attached end may be secured to the domed handsupport section at a side of the user's hand adjacent the index fingerwith the fixed end at an opposite side of the hand). Alternatively, theadjustable body 951 may include two sections that are adjustably joinedto each other via closures such as previously described.

FIGS. 10-13 are bottom views of alternate forms of surface engagementsections 1022, 1122, 1222, and 1322 of the apparatus according toembodiments of the present disclosure. As described with reference toFIGS. 10-13, embodiments of surface engagement sections 1022, 1122,1222, and 1322 of the apparatus may include surface engagement sectionswith solid bottoms, surface engagement sections with an opening in theirsurfaces, and surface engagement sections that are designed either toslide or resist sliding across a support surface. As further describedbelow, embodiments of the apparatus also may include surface engagementsections that provide for a spherical bearing to extend therethrough torollingly support the apparatuses above a support surface; embodimentsof the apparatus may also include removably attached and/orinterchangeable surface engagement sections, all as further describedbelow.

Specifically, FIG. 10 shows a solid surface engagement section 1022. Inone embodiment, the solid surface engagement section 1022 is comprisedof a material configured to slidably move across a support surface (notshown in FIG. 10) to permit a user to perform exercises that involvesliding the apparatus over the support surface, as further describedbelow with reference to FIGS. 20-23, while retaining the advantages ofemploying a domed hand support section in supporting the hand andfingers as previously described. The surface engagement section 1022 maybe comprised of a smooth metal or plastic that slides relatively easilyover a hard floor, carpet, and/or a sliding board.

FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of a solid surface engagement section1122 comprised of a material configured to resist sliding across asupport surface (not shown in FIG. 11). The solid surface engagementsection 1122 may include a textured and/or rubberized surface engagementsection that prevents the solid surface engagement section 1122 fromsliding across a hard surface and/or a carpet. Such an embodimentpermits a user to perform exercises that do not involve sliding theapparatus over the support surface while retaining the advantages ofemploying a domed hand support section in supporting the hand andfingers as previously described.

FIG. 12 shows an open surface engagement section 1222 in which thesurface engagement section accommodates an opening 1224. In oneembodiment, the open surface engagement section 1222 is comprised of amaterial configured to slidably move across a support surface (not shownin FIG. 12) to permit a user to perform exercises that involve slidingthe apparatus over the support surface, as further described below withreference to FIGS. 20-23, while retaining the advantages of employing adomed hand support section in supporting the hand and fingers aspreviously described. The surface engagement section 1222 may becomprised of a smooth metal or plastic that slides relatively easilyover a hard floor, carpet, and/or a sliding board. The opening 1224 maybe configured to permit a spherical bearing to extend therethrough asfurther described below with regard to FIGS. 16-18.

FIG. 13 shows an open surface engagement section 1322 in which thesurface engagement section accommodates an opening 1324. In oneembodiment, the open surface engagement section 1322 is comprised of amaterial configured to resist movement across a support surface (notshown in FIG. 12) to permit a user to perform exercises that may notinvolve sliding the apparatus over a support surface while retaining theadvantages of employing a domed hand support section in supporting thehand and fingers as previously described. The open surface engagementsection 1322 may include a textured and/or rubberized surface engagementsection that prevents the open surface engagement section 1322 fromsliding across a hard surface and/or a carpet. The opening 1324 may beconfigured to permit a spherical bearing to extend therethrough asfurther described below with regard to FIGS. 16-18. By including an opensurface engagement section 1324 configured to resist sliding and aspherical bearing as further described below, a user may be able toselectably allow the apparatus to roll over a surface by angling theapparatus so that the apparatus rests mainly or entirely on thespherical bearing; alternately, the user may limit the sliding of theapparatus by angling the apparatus so that the apparatus rests partly onthe spherical bearing and partly on the slide-resistant open surfaceengagement section 1324.

FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of an apparatus 1400in which a domed support member 1410 and a surface engagement section1420 are removably attached according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Removable attachment of the surface engagement section 1420facilitates assembly of the apparatus 1400. Additionally, removableattachment of the surface engagement section 1420 allows for attachmentof different surface engagement sections or interchangeable surfaceengagement sections, as described with reference to FIGS. 10-13 and asfurther described below. In one embodiment, the surface engagementsection 1420 includes a surface engagement section 1470 that joins tothe domed hand support section 1410 at a joint or seam 1460. The surfaceengagement section 1470 may be coupled to the domed hand support section1410, for one example, as described below with reference to FIG. 15.

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a hand support apparatus1500 in which a domed hand support section 1510 and a surface engagementsection 1520 are removably attached according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. As shown in FIG. 15, the domed hand support section1510 includes a sleeve 1562 configured to be received within the surfaceengagement section 1570. The sleeve 1562 includes outwardly-facingthreads 1564 configured to engage inwardly-acing threads 1574 within thesurface engagement section (although it should be understood that thesurface engagement section 1570 may support a sleeve that providesoutwardly-facing threads that could be received by inwardly-facingthreads included within the domed hand support section 1510). The domedhand support section 1510 and the surface engagement section 1570 may besecured to each other by moving the surface engagement section in adirection 1576 toward the domed hand support section 1510 and thentwisted in a direction 1578 to engage the inwardly-facing threads 1574of the surface engagement section with the outwardly-facing threads 1564of the sleeve 1562 of the domed hand support section 1510, causing thedomed hand support section 1510 and the surface engagement section 1570to be joined together at a seam 1560. The process may be reversed and/orrepeated as desired to secure different surface engagement sections (notshown in FIG. 15) to the domed hand support section 1510, to install orreplace spherical bearings (also not shown in FIG. 15) within the domedhand support section 1510 or to remove the same, as further describedbelow. The domed hand support section 1510 includes a wrist brace 1530as previously described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a hand supportapparatus 1600 in which a domed support member 1610 includes a recess1681 configured to partially receive a spherical bearing 1680 and asurface engagement section 1670 configured to retain the sphericalbearing 1680 so as to enable the spherical bearing 1680 to partiallyextend beyond a surface of a surface engagement section 1620. An objectof the partially-extended spherical bearing is to enable the sphericalbearing 1680 to roll across a support surface 1683 to facilitateexercises in which a user rolls the apparatus 1600 over the supportsurface. The domed hand support section 1610 includes a wrist brace 1630as previously described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

The recess 1681 is configured to rollably receive the spherical bearing1680 to allow easy rolling of the spherical bearing within the domedsupport member 1610 so that, as lateral forces are applied to theapparatus 1600, the apparatus may move in any direction relative to aplane defined by the support surface 1683. The surface engagementsection 1670 includes an open surface engagement section 1620 thatincludes an opening 1677 through which the spherical bearing 1680 mayextend to present a rolling surface 1682 against the support surface1683. According to a particular embodiment, the surface engagementsection 1670 provides a flange 1675 that defines the opening 1677 ashaving a width that is smaller than a diameter of the spherical bearing1680 such that the spherical bearing 1680 may partially extend throughthe opening 1677 but not fall through the opening 1677. Also in aparticular embodiment, the flange 1675 may be sized so that when thesurface engagement section 1670 is secured to the domed hand supportsection 1610 at a joint 1660, the spherical bearing 1680 is confinedwithin the recess 1681 such that the spherical bearing 1680 is permittedto roll within the recess 1681 but with limited vertical movementtransverse to the surface engagement section 1620 so that the sphericalelement 1680 does not “wiggle” transverse to the surface engagementsection 1620.

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the surface engagement section 1620including the flange 1675 configured to retain the spherical bearing1680 within the apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. As described with reference to FIG. 16, the flange 1675contains the spherical bearing 1680 (whose diameter is partially coveredby the surface engagement section 1620 and thus is represented by adashed line) but allows the rolling surface 1682 of the sphericalbearing to extend therethrough, thus enabling the rolling surface 1682to engage a support surface (not shown in FIG. 17).

FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a system 1800including an apparatus having interchangeable spherical bearings 1882,1887, and 1888 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Theinterchangeable spherical bearings 1882, 1887, and 1888 may havedifferent weights. An object of the interchangeable spherical bearings1882, 1887, and 1888 is to enable a user to engage the system 1800 forrolling exercises as described in this disclosure as well as to use thesystem to provide adjustable hand weights. To change the weight, a usercould use processes as described with reference to FIG. 15 to remove asurface engagement section 1870 from the domed hand support section 1810so as to remove and/or replace one of the spherical bearings 1882, 1887,and 1888 with another of the spherical bearings 1882, 1887, and 1888 andreassemble the surface engagement section 1670 and the domed handsupport section 1810 at the joint 1860. The embodiment of the system1800 desirably may include a support strap 1850 to facilitate the userbeing able to grip the system 1800 while using the system 1800 as handweights. The domed hand support section 1810 includes a wrist brace 1830as previously described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a system 1900including an apparatus having interchangeable surface engagementsections 1970, 1971, and 1972 according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The different interchangeable surface engagement sections1970, 1971, and 1972 may have different weights so as to provideadjustable hand weights, as previously described with reference to FIG.18. Inclusion of a support strap 1950 would support the use of thesystem 1900 as hand weights, as previously described. The domed handsupport section 1810 does not include a wrist brace as previouslydescribed with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, and as included in theapparatus of FIGS. 15, 16, and 18; however, it should be appreciatedthat a wrist brace could be included in any of the embodiments describedherein.

The different interchangeable surface engagement sections 1970, 1971,and 1972 also may include different solid or open surface engagementsection surfaces to facilitate sliding the system 1900 over a supportsurface (not shown in FIG. 19), resist sliding the system 1900 over asupport surface, or to accommodate a spherical bearing (also not shownin FIG. 19) to permit rolling the system 1900 over the support surface.To change between the different interchangeable surface engagementsections 1970, 1971, and 1972, a user could use processes as describedwith reference to FIG. 15 to remove one of the interchangeable surfaceengagement sections 1970, 1971, and 1972 and attach another of theinterchangeable surface engagement sections 1970, 1971, and 1972 withthe domed hand support section 1910 at the joint 1960.

FIGS. 20-22 are side views of a user performing exercises usingembodiments of an apparatus 2010 according to the present disclosure. Ina position 2000 as shown in FIG. 20, a user engages his hand 2040 withthe apparatus 2010 as previously described. In one implementation,resting his knees 2050 on a support surface 2020, the user holds hisarms in retracted position 2060 so that his torso 2030 is low to thesupport surface 2020. In a position 2100 of FIG. 21, the user holds hisarms in an extended position 2160, moving his torso 2030 up and downalong directions 2170 away from and toward the support surface 2020.Please note that, because embodiments of the apparatus may be slideable,the user may move the apparatuses along the support surface 2020 indirections both across and transverse to the figure. Specifically, in aposition 2200 as shown in FIG. 22, the user may extend his arms in anover-the-shoulder position 2260, pressing his arms forward and backalong directions 2270, using the apparatus 2010 to facilitate slidingmotion along the direction 2270.

FIG. 23 is a top view of a user in a position 2300 performing exercisesusing an embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure.Because the apparatus 2010 enables a full range of movement across aplane defined by a support surface 2320, in contrast to ab wheels andfixed-track exercise devices, once the user has his hands 2040 placedwithin the apparatus 2010, the user can move his arms from aforward-and-out position 2090 to an outward position 2091, and otherpositions in between. As such, a user may perform exercises in a rangeof motion like a gymnast using suspended rings. In other words, aslideable apparatus enables a user to engage his or her hands with therecesses on the domed hand support apparatuses, rest at least a portionof his or her weight on the domed hand support apparatuses, and move theapparatuses over a generally planar support surface in each or both oftwo dimensions across the support surface 2320.

FIG. 24 is a flow diagram of a method 2400 of performing aweight-bearing exercise using embodiments of the apparatus according tothe present disclosure. At 2402, a hand is engaged with a domed handsupport having a plurality of recesses configured to receive a palm,thumb, and fingers of a user's hand, while the user's hand is held in anaturally curved open-position. At 2404, a surface engagement sectionsecured to an underside of the domed hand support section is deployed ona generally planar support surface, wherein the surface engagementsection is configured to slideably move across the generally planarsupport surface in two dimensions. At 2406, while resting at least aportion of a user's body weight on the domed support section via theuser's hand, the domed hand support section is moved in both of the twodimensions across the generally planar support surface.

FIGS. 25 and 26 are side views of a user performing a lift exerciseusing embodiments of the apparatus according to the present disclosure.Specifically, FIG. 25 shows a user 2501 employing an apparatus 2500 toperform a lateral-type lifting exercise. The user 2501 engages his orher hand 2515 with the domed hand support section 2510 in the providedrecesses as previously described throughout this application. In aparticular embodiment, the domed hand support section 2510 supports astrap 2550 that engages a back 2540 of the user's hand, and a wristbrace 2530 engages an underside of the user's wrist 2532. As inperforming other exercises, the domed hand support section 2510 supportsthe user's hand 2515 in a naturally-curved position throughoutperformance of the exercises; the strap 2550 and/or the wrist brace 2530secure the domed hand support section 2510 to the user's hand 2515throughout the exercise. As previously described with specific referenceto FIGS. 18 and 19, the surface engagement section 2520 may be removableto enable interchange with differently-weighted surface engagementsections 2520 and/or to permit insertion or interchange ofdifferently-weighted spherical bearings 2582 to change the level ofresistance involved in the lift exercise depicted in FIG. 25.

When the user 2501 lifts his or her arm 2503 in an upward direction2560, the user 2501 exercises various muscles in the user's arm 2503 orin other parts of the user's upper body. Weight of the apparatus 2500provides resistance. As the apparatus 2500 is raised in the upwarddirection 2560, secured to the user's hand 2515 as previously described,the apparatus 2500 rotates along a curve 2565 corresponding with naturalrotation of the user's hand 2515 during the movement of the arm 2503.The weight of the apparatus 2500 may be changed by interchangingdifferently-weighted surface engagement sections 2520 and/ordifferently-weighted spherical bearings 2582, thereby changing theresistance encountered by the user 2501 in raising the apparatus 2500.

FIG. 26 shows a user 2601 employing an apparatus 2600 to perform adifferent lifting exercise popularly termed a “curl.” In contrast to thelifting exercise depicted in FIG. 25 in which the arm 2503 is liftedwith the hand 2515 facing in a generally palm-down direction, the curlof FIG. 26 involves the user 2601 lifting the user's lower arm 2603(i.e., the forearm below the elbow 2604) with the user's hand 2615facing in a palm-up direction. The user 2601 engages his or her hand2615 with the domed hand support section 2610 in the provided recessesas previously described throughout this application. In a particularembodiment, the domed hand support section 2610 supports a strap 2650that engages a back 2640 of the user's hand, and a wrist brace 2630engages an underside of the user's wrist 2632. As in performing otherexercises, the domed hand support section 2610 supports the user's hand2615 in a naturally-curved position throughout performance of theexercises; the strap 2650 and/or the wrist brace 2630 secure the domedhand support section 2610 to the user's hand 2615 throughout theexercise. As previously described with specific reference to FIGS. 18and 19, the surface engagement section 2620 may be removable to enableinterchange with differently-weighted surface engagement sections 2620and/or to permit insertion or interchange of differently-weightedspherical bearings 2682 to change the level of resistance involved inthe lift exercise depicted in FIG. 26.

When the user 2601 lifts his or her arm 2603 in an upward direction2660, the user 2601 exercises various muscles in the user's arm 2603 orin other parts of the user's upper body. Weight of the apparatus 2600provides resistance. As the apparatus 2600 is raised in the upwarddirection 2660, secured to the user's hand 2615 as previously described,the apparatus 2600 rotates along a curve 2665 corresponding with naturalrotation of the user's hand 2615 during the movement of the arm 2603.The weight of the apparatus 2600 may be changed by interchangingdifferently-weighted surface engagement sections 2620 and/ordifferently-weighted spherical bearings 2682, thereby changing theresistance encountered by the user 2601 in raising the apparatus 2600.

FIG. 27 is a flow diagram 2700 of a method of performing a lift exerciseusing embodiments of the apparatus according to the present disclosure.The method may be adapted for performing any lift-type exercise, such aslateral lifts or curls as previously described with reference to FIGS.25 and 26. In the flow diagram, at 2702, a user's hand is engaged with adomed hand support section having a plurality of recesses configured toreceive a palm, thumb, and fingers of the user's hand, while the user'shand is held in a naturally curved open-position, and a strap configuredto extend across a back of the user's hand while the user's hand isreceived in the plurality of recesses. At 2704, at least a portion ofthe user's arm is lifted. Examples of both steps are illustrated anddescribed with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26.

While the disclosure has been has been set forth herein in reference tospecific aspects, features and illustrative aspects, it will beappreciated that the utility of the disclosure is not thus limited, butrather extends to and encompasses numerous other variations,modifications and alternative aspects, as will suggest themselves tothose of ordinary skill in the field of the present disclosure, based onthe description herein. Any of various elements or features recitedherein is contemplated for use with other features or elements disclosedherein, unless specified to the contrary. Correspondingly, the inventionthat may be hereinafter claimed is intended to be broadly construed andinterpreted, as including all such variations, modifications andalternative aspects, within its spirit and scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus configured to assist a user inperforming physical exercise, the apparatus comprising: a domed handsupport section, the domed hand support section having a plurality ofrecesses configured to receive a palm, thumb, and fingers of a user'shand while the user's hand is held in a naturally curved open-position;and a surface engagement section secured to an underside of the domedhand support section and configured to engage a supporting surface,wherein when the surface engagement section is deployed on thesupporting surface and the palm, thumb, and fingers of the user's handare placed in the plurality recesses on the domed hand support section,the domed face supports the user's hand in the naturally curved openwhile the user exerts force against the domed hand support section faceand that is at least partially directed toward the supporting surface.2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of recesses includes:a first recess configured to receive the palm of the user's hand; asecond recess configured to receive the thumb of the user's hand; and athird recess configured to receive the fingers of the user's hand. 3.The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the third recess is configured toseparately engage one or more of the user's fingers from others of theuser's fingers.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of theplurality of recesses are contained within an outer perimeter of thedomed hand support section, such that edges of the palm, thumb, andfingers of the user's hand are confined within the outer perimeter ofthe domed hand support section such that the outer perimeter of thedomed hand support section may collide with an object without the edgesof the palm, thumb, and fingers of the user's hand striking the object.5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a strap configured toextend across the recess configured to receive the palm of the user'shand and to maintain the palm of the user's hand within the recessconfigured to receive the palm.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thesurface engagement section is comprised of a slip-resistant material. 7.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the surface engagement section iscomprised of a slidable material configured to facilitate sliding of thesurface engagement section over a support surface.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the domed hand support section includes a recessconfigured to partially and rollably receive a spherical bearing, suchthat the spherical bearing partially extends outwardly from the domedhand support section and through the surface engagement section, suchthat the spherical bearing rollably supports the surface engagementsection above the supporting surface.
 9. An apparatus configured toassist a user in performing physical exercise, the apparatus comprising:a domed hand support section, the domed hand support section having aplurality of recesses configured to receive a palm, thumb, and fingersof a user's hand while the user's hand is held in a naturally curvedopen-position; a wrist brace extending outwardly from the domed handsupport section proximate an edge of the recess configured to receivethe palm of the user, such that while the user exerts force against thedomed hand support section, the wrist brace supportively engages anunderside of a wrist of the user; and a surface engagement sectionsecured to an underside of the domed hand support section and configuredto engage a supporting surface, wherein when the surface engagementsection is deployed on the supporting surface and the palm, thumb, andfingers of the user's hand are placed in the plurality recesses on thedomed hand support section, the domed face supports the user's hand inthe naturally curved open while the user exerts force against the domedhand support section face and that is at least partially directed towardthe supporting surface.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein theplurality of recesses includes: a first recess configured to receive thepalm of the user's hand; a second recess configured to receive the thumbof the user's hand; and a third recess configured to receive the fingersof the user's hand.
 11. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the thirdrecess is configured to separately engage one or more of the user'sfingers from others of the user's fingers.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9,wherein each of the plurality of recesses are contained within an outerperimeter of the domed hand support section, such that edges of thepalm, thumb, and fingers of the user's hand are confined within theouter perimeter of the domed hand support section such that the outerperimeter of the domed hand support section may collide with an objectwithout the edges of the palm, thumb, and fingers of the user's handstriking the object.
 13. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising astrap configured to extend across the recess configured to receive thepalm of the user's hand and to maintain the palm of the user's handwithin the recess configured to receive the palm.
 14. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the surface engagement section is comprised of aslidable material configured to facilitate sliding of the surfaceengagement section over a support surface.
 15. The apparatus of claim 9,wherein the domed hand support section includes a recess configured topartially and rollably receive a spherical bearing, such that thespherical bearing partially extends outwardly from the domed handsupport section and through the surface engagement section, such thatthe spherical bearing rollably supports the surface engagement sectionabove the supporting surface.
 16. An apparatus configured to assist auser in performing physical exercise, the apparatus comprising: a domedhand support section, the domed hand support section having a pluralityof recesses configured to receive a palm, thumb, and fingers of a user'shand while the user's hand is held in a naturally curved open-position;a strap configured to extend across the recess configured to receive thepalm of the user's hand and to maintain the palm of the user's handwithin the recess configured to receive the palm; and a surfaceengagement section secured to an underside of the domed hand supportsection and configured to engage a supporting surface, wherein when thesurface engagement section is deployed on the supporting surface and thepalm, thumb, and fingers of the user's hand are placed in the pluralityrecesses on the domed hand support section, the domed face supports theuser's hand in the naturally curved open while the user exerts forceagainst the domed hand support section face and that is at leastpartially directed toward the supporting surface.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein the plurality of recesses includes: a first recessconfigured to receive the palm of the user's hand; a second recessconfigured to receive the thumb of the user's hand; and a third recessconfigured to receive the fingers of the user's hand.
 18. The apparatusof claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of recesses are containedwithin an outer perimeter of the domed hand support section, such thatedges of the palm, thumb, and fingers of the user's hand are confinedwithin the outer perimeter of the domed hand support section such thatthe outer perimeter of the domed hand support section may collide withan object without the edges of the palm, thumb, and fingers of theuser's hand striking the object.
 19. The apparatus of claim 36, whereinthe surface engagement section is comprised of a slidable materialconfigured to facilitate sliding of the surface engagement section overa support surface.
 20. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the domed handsupport section includes a recess configured to partially and rollablyreceive a spherical bearing, such that the spherical bearing partiallyextends outwardly from the domed hand support section and through thesurface engagement section, such that the spherical bearing rollablysupports the surface engagement section above the supporting surface.